Monday, April 20, 2015

Firmly
established as a performer and songwriter of considerable skill, Joe Stilgoe
gives a masterclass in nostalgia with a contemporary twist. New Songs For Old
Souls is Joes first studio album for Linn Records, following his signing to the
label in 2014. The album comprises twelve songs with ten terrific originals by
Joe, including three thrilling big band numbers: Nobody Cares Like Me, Pocket Song
and a new version of Gold On Silver, previously heard on Songs On Film Live.
Includes: Totally, Nobody Cares Like Me, Nothing’s Changed, Roll, Rainbows in
My Teacup, Pocket Song, I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times, How To Fall In
Love, Two-tones, You’re Funny (But I’m Not In Love), Too Late Now, and Gold On
Silver. ~ Amazon

FATOUMATA DIAWARA & ROBERTO FONSECA - AT HOME: LIVE IN MARCIAC

A marriage
made in heaven! Two of the most high profile, and powerful, performers on the
planet yoke up and get rocking. For the past 18 months Malian guitarist
superstar Fatoumata (her first album was on World Circuit) and Cuban jazz
pianist Roberto have been on the road, knocking them dead at festivals around
the world. The combination of West African and Cuban rhythms has been done
before, but never with so much life, energy and sex appeal! This album was
recorded live at the Marciac festival in France in 2014 and demonstrates why
these two are such a draw. ~ Amazon

YURI HONING ACOUSTIC QUARTET - DESIRE

The leading
Dutch saxophonist and composer Yuri Honing perfectly captures feelings of desire on
his album of the same title. Renowned for mixing styles, Honing again explores
his musical boundaries with moving melodies framed by pop, classical music and
early music compositional techniques. Honing had his first major success in
1996 with his album 'Star Tracks', which comprised recordings of pop songs as
an alternative to the American Songbook. The album became a hit in the
Netherlands and Germany, and gained significant notice in the UK as well. The
album contains songs by Abba and The Police among others. Subsequently he has
performed/recorded with Paul Bley, Gary Peacock, Paul Motian, Charlie Haden,
Pat Metheny and Vince Mendoza, amongst others. His quartet on 'Desire' includes
the Dutch pianist Wolfert Brederode, who has recorded two albums as a leader
for ECM Records, alongside Icelandic double bass player Gulli Gudmundsson and
Dutch drummer Joost Lijbaart. Personnel: Yuri Honing (tenor saxophone), Wolfert
Brederode (piano), Gulli Gudmundsson (bass), Joost Lijbaart (drums). ~ Amazon